New Amsterdam is a popular brand of vodka that has gained a reputation for being gluten-free. Many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity are interested in whether New Amsterdam vodka contains gluten or is processed using gluten. Understanding which alcoholic beverages are gluten-free is important for managing gluten intolerance or celiac disease. This article will examine if all New Amsterdam vodka varieties are gluten-free and provide an overview of gluten in alcohol.
What is gluten and why does it matter?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger severe reactions. Even small amounts of gluten can cause intestinal damage, pain, bloating, and other unpleasant symptoms in sensitive individuals.
For people who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet, checking labels and understanding how products are made is crucial. Gluten can easily be overlooked or contaminate food and drink during processing if proper precautions are not taken. When it comes to vodka and other spirits, gluten grains may be used in the fermentation process and leave traces in the final distilled alcohol.
Is New Amsterdam vodka gluten-free?
The answer is yes, New Amsterdam vodka is considered gluten-free. The company states that all of their vodka varieties, including their original, flavored, and specialty vodkas, are gluten-free.
New Amsterdam vodka is distilled from corn, not gluten grains. The fermentation and distillation process removes any traces of gluten that may have been present in the base ingredients. The vodka is also filtered through activated charcoal before bottling to remove impurities. These steps help ensure no detectable amounts of gluten make it into the final distilled spirit.
The Gluten Intolerance Group, an organization that independently tests products and provides certification for being gluten-free, has also analyzed New Amsterdam vodka and confirmed that it contains less than 10ppm of gluten. This is well below the FDA guideline of less than 20ppm of gluten for food and beverages to be labelled gluten-free.
Testing for Gluten in Distilled Spirits
While the distillation process removes nearly all gluten from the alcohol, testing is still important for providing consumers with celiac disease peace of mind. Here are some of the ways vodka brands like New Amsterdam test their products:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) gluten test – Detects traces of gluten protein down to 5-10ppm.
- Mass spectrometry – Analyzes the product on a molecular level for gluten peptide sequences.
- PCR testing – Amplifies and detects the presence of gluten DNA if any remains after distillation.
These scientific testing methods allow vodka producers to verify and confirm that the gluten content is below the recognized gluten-free thresholds. Testing combined with proper distilling procedures ensures New Amsterdam vodkas contain no concerning levels of gluten for those sensitive.
Should you trust vodka labeling?
When shopping for gluten-free alcohol, checking the labeling on vodka and other spirits is important. However, some caution is warranted. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
– No federal regulations exist for labeling alcohol as “gluten-free”. While the FDA has guidelines for food, these rules do not apply to alcohols regulated by the TTB.
-Companies can test their spirits and label them “gluten-free” without oversight. It is up to brands to ensure their claims are truthful.
-Testing methods can vary. More sensitive tests like ELISA detect lower amounts of gluten vs basic R5 antibody tests.
-Proper distillation and batch testing provide assurance but cross-contamination is still a risk. Dedicated equipment and facilities help reduce this concern.
-Consumer responses are mixed. Some report issues with vodka labeled gluten-free, while others have no problems. Individual sensitivity levels vary.
So while most mainstream vodka brands like New Amsterdam that say they are gluten-free can be trusted, having awareness around testing procedures and regulation limitations is valuable for those with celiac disease and on a strict gluten-free diet. Seeking out brands certified by GFCO or other independent testing organizations can provide further assurance.
Should you stick to grain-based vodka?
Vodka made from gluten-containing grains, especially wheat, barley, and rye, tend to have the highest risk of gluten content. However, any vodka that is distilled correctly should remove gluten proteins and make the final product gluten-free.
Some people opt for vodkas made from non-grain ingredients just for extra precaution:
- Potato vodka – Brands like Chopin, Boyd & Blair, Woody Creek, and Idaho Spud.
- Corn vodka – New Amsterdam, Titos, Deep Eddy, etc.
- Grape-based vodka – Ciroc.
- Sugar cane vodka – Pearl and Nemiroff.
However, these alternative base ingredients offer no guarantee of being safer or lower in gluten on their own. Proper distilling and testing procedures make the biggest difference in removing gluten, not the initial starch source. Many “gluten-free” grain vodkas test just as safe as their non-grain counterparts.
Those highly sensitive should opt for vodkas with thorough gluten testing and verification no matter the base grain or starch used. Individual tolerance and reaction will also play a role in determining personal preferences.
Is flavored vodka gluten-free?
Flavored vodkas like New Amsterdam’s expansive lineup with citrus, berry, peach, pineapple, coconut, and other fruit flavors are also gluten-free. The distillation and filtering process for the vodka itself removes gluten content in the base spirit before natural flavors are added.
However, some flavored vodkas may contain added sugar or other ingredients that could potentially introduce gluten. In these cases, individual brands need to be checked to ensure they do not use gluten-containing additives.
New Amsterdam states their flavored vodkas only include three ingredients – their gluten-free vodka, purified water, and natural flavors. No gluten-containing additives are used in their infusions.
So flavored vodka can be safe for gluten-free diets as long as diligence is taken by the manufacturer and no problematic thickeners, preservatives, sugars, or other additives are used. When in doubt, check with the brand.
Is all vodka gluten-free?
While most major vodka brands in the U.S. market themselves as gluten-free, not every vodka meets the strict standards to be considered gluten-free. Cheaper vodka producers may not follow best practices for gluten removal and testing. Some specialty craft vodkas also start with unique grains, starchy bases, or flavorings that could contain traces of gluten.
It is important when choosing any vodka to check the brand’s statements and claims around being gluten-free and certifications from credible allergen testing bodies. Reaching out directly to manufacturers with any questions is also an option for those that need to be extra cautious.
Some vodka brands with potential gluten-related issues according to consumers include:
- Smirnoff – Malt-based vodka produced with wheat, rye, and barley.
- Koskenkorva Vodka – Uses a blend of grains including barley.
- Stolichnaya Vodka – Despite being labeled gluten-free, some report reactions.
- Russian Standard Vodka – Uses wheat and barley for fermentation.
- Vincent Van Gogh Vodka – Flavored varieties contain wheat-derived glucose syrup.
- Effen Vodka – Flavored options contain barley malt extract.
So while many major brands are safe and gluten testing has improved, not every vodka choice on the shelf can be considered certified gluten-free without proper verification. Those with celiac disease need to research options carefully.
Is New Amsterdam gluten-free rum also safe?
In addition to their vodka, New Amsterdam also produces a range of rums. Their gluten-free rums are made similarly using molasses and sugarcane distillate and undergo charcoal filtering. Independent lab testing also confirms New Amsterdam rum contains less than 10ppm of gluten.
So those that tolerate New Amsterdam’s vodkas generally do well with their gluten-free labeled rums too. However, as with any distilled spirit, individual sensitivities can vary. Other rum brands also produce gluten-free varieties, but some additives used need to be checked.
What about gluten-free gin, tequila, and other spirits?
Many popular brands of tequila, gin, whiskey, and other spirits also label their products as gluten-free:
- Tequila – Most 100% agave tequilas are gluten-free. This includes brands like Jose Cuervo, Patrón, Casamigos, and Don Julio.
- Gin – Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Hendrick’s advertise their gins as gluten-free.
- Whiskey – Jameson, Glenlivet, and many bourbons/ryes list gluten-free status when contacted by consumers.
However, some grain-based whiskey and gin producers may be questionable depending on their process and ingredients. Flavored versions also need evaluated for gluten-containing additives.
In general, most pure distilled spirits that do not include flavorings should be safe for gluten-free diets when produced properly. But having celiac disease means extra research and caution is warranted whenever trying new spirits. Contacting manufacturers directly provides the most reliable information.
Should you avoid malt beverages?
Malt beverages, including beer, malternatives, and coolers/ciders containing malt barley should always be avoided on a strict gluten-free diet. These contain high levels of gluten even when labeled “gluten-free” or “gluten-removed”.
The FDA allows manufacturers of beer made with gluten-containing grains to label products as “gluten-free” when the final gluten content is below 20ppm. However, this threshold is still too high for those with celiac disease or wheat allergy.
True gluten-free beers are made from completely gluten-free grains like sorghum, buckwheat, or rice and generally considered safe for those avoiding gluten. Brands certified gluten-free include Redbridge, Bard’s, Dogfish Head, Ghostfish, and Ground Breaker. But malt-containing beers, coolers, and alcopops are risky.
Avoiding cross-contamination
When it comes to drinking gluten-free alcohol, cross-contamination is still an issue to consider:
- Gluten grain residues in shared equipment, tubing, containers during production.
- Pouring from same tap lines that have had beer/wheat spirits.
- Reusing rinse water to wash gluten-containing glassware.
- Shared fryer oil for frying apps that also fry breaded foods.
Those highly sensitive should inquire about dedicated gluten-free production lines and equipment when possible. At restaurants, make sure to emphasize the gluten allergy when ordering so steps are taken to avoid cross-contamination from glassware or preparation surfaces.
While the alcohol itself may be safe, coming into contact with gluten via processing methods or serving practices can still be a problem. Using proper precautions for equipment and serving practices reduces risk.
Should you avoid communion wine?
For those that are Catholic or come from traditions that serve communion wine, this can be a source of concern due to trace amounts of gluten. Many churches and places of worship source communion wine from sacramental wineries that also produce altar breads and commingles equipment.
If you have celiac disease or are highly gluten sensitive, consider asking about receiving communion wine from a dedicated gluten-free winery. Some churches may offer non-alcoholic juice options as well. Receiving communion in just one form, such as the communion wafer, is also an alternative if no safe wine options are available.
Effects of alcohol on celiac disease
Drinking alcohol, even when gluten-free, can have adverse effects on gut health for those with celiac disease:
- Increased intestinal permeability – Alcohol can loosen gut junctions and allow undigested contents to enter bloodstream, triggering immune response.
- Inflammation – Through various pathways, alcohol enhances inflammatory cytokines that can damage villi.
- Nutrient deficiencies – Heavy drinking can impair absorption of nutrients needed for gut repair.
- Intestinal dysbiosis – Alcohol alters gut microbiome makeup, promotes overgrowth of bad bacteria.
Those with active celiac disease may want to avoid alcohol completely until symptoms are controlled and vitamin levels normalized. Alcoholic drinks high in congeners that boost inflammation like dark liquors, red wine, and beer can be especially aggravating.
In moderation, clear gluten-free spirits like vodka and gin may be less likely to cause issues. However, alcohol abstinence until celiac enters remission may be wisest. Light drinking later may be tolerated, but effects can vary individually.
Other tips for drinking gluten-free alcohol
Here are some other useful tips for safely navigating alcohol choices with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity:
- When in doubt, contact the manufacturer. Ask about their gluten testing methods and certification.
- Check additive ingredients lists carefully for malt extracts or problematic grains.
- Opt for pure, unflavored distilled spirits instead of beer, coolers, grain-based liquors.
- Verify the gluten-free status of kombucha, hard seltzers, and ciders.
- Request drinks from new, unopened bottles if at a bar or restaurant.
- Cruise lines and resorts may stock gluten-free brands, but always confirm.
- Traveling abroad can increase risk of cross-contamination, research options.
- If reacting to gluten-free alcohol, take a break and try reintroducing cautiously.
Staying strictly gluten-free when drinking alcohol is challenging but possible with the right knowledge and precautions. Distilled spirits labeled gluten-free from reputable brands like New Amsterdam provide more assurance, but 100% guarantee is difficult. Having awareness around potential issues, cross-contamination, and your own individual tolerance levels helps minimize symptom risks.
The Bottom Line
Is all New Amsterdam gluten-free? The answer based on labeling, widespread consumer acceptance, and independent lab testing appears to be yes. New Amsterdam vodkas, rums, and flavored spirits all test below 10ppm and are considered gluten-free.
However, due to variations in production methods and individual sensitivities, having celiac disease or an allergy means extra care is required when selecting safe alcoholic beverages. While New Amsterdam’s products show promise, sticking with pure, tested spirits and contacting manufacturers directly can offer the greatest peace of mind. There are no foolproof options, but being an informed, cautious consumer is key for both enjoying alcohol and avoiding gluten exposure.
